The young Napoleon, at 25 a general in the French army, is unemployed. In Marseilles, he woos Désirée Clary, daughter of a rich merchant. But despite her acceptance to his proposal of marriage, her family refuse permission until he has a position and money. He leaves for Paris where, through good fortune and timing, he is put in charge of the defence of the Tuileries. He sucessfully quashes an unprising and is made Commander of the Army of the Interior. He meets Josephine, falls madly in love, and eventually marries her.